Featured

Malami Seeks Stakeholder’s Synergy For Development Of Correctional Service Act

Published

6 years ago

November 26, 2019

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice Mr Abubakar Malami, has called on stakeholders to work together towards the development of a strategic Action Plan to support the deployment of non-custodial services as provided by the Correctional Service Act

Malami made the call in Abuja at a three-day strategic workshop for the `Effective Implementation of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019′.

The workshop is hosted by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation in collaboration with the Presidential Committee on Correctional Service and Reform, and the Nigerian Correctional Service.

He said that the aim of the workshop is to sensitize stakeholders, especially Justice Sector Institutions, on the salient provisions of the Act and to come up with a road map for the effective implementation of the provisions of the Act on non-custodial measures.

The Minister said the Act repealed the Prisons Act, Cap P29, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and provides the legal and institutional framework for emerging Nigerian Correctional Service.

“The provisions of the Act have been adjudged to be comprehensive and in compliance with International Human Rights Standards and good correctional practices.

“It provides for the rights of Correctional Centers and enabling rules for the Implementation of Non-Custodial Measures, as well as the establishment of institutional systematic and sustainable mechanisms to address the cases of the ever increasing number of Awaiting Trial inmates.

“The workshop provides a veritable platform for the overview and comparative analysis of the Correctional Service Act, 2019.

The Minister said that the signing into law the Correctional Service Act, 2019 was a major turning point in Prisons Reform and Justice Sector delivery in Nigeria.

“This marks another milestone in our national Strategies deployed towards urgently decongesting the prisons.

“The act has some innovative provisions which address some major issues that have been of concern to stakeholders in the Justice sector.

“It will ensure compliance with international human rights standards and good correctional practices and provide an enabling platform for the implementation of non-custodial measures.

“This will enhance the focus on corrections and promotion of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders as provided by the Act.”

He said the act will enhance the focus on corrections and promotion of reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration of offenders.

He said it will enhance the establishment of institutional, systemic and sustainable mechanisms to address the high number of persons awaiting trial.

Justice Ishaq Bello, the Chief Judge of the FCT High Court, in his remarks said that the purpose of the Workshop was to sensitize stakeholders on the provisions of the Act particularly the provisions on non-custodial services which was newly introduced.

According to Bello, `the Workshop will provide a veritable platform for the overview and comparative analysis of the Correctional Service Act, 2019.

“The intention of the workshop is to bring out the salient issues and chart a road map for a better Nigeria Correctional service.

“It will lead to a radical departure in our justice delivery.”

He said the Act is a restorative justice which is the bedrock for the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria.

“The Act is important because it is going to bring about new orientation to the correctional service that will provide alternative centers for inmates.

“It will ensure compliance with international human rights standards and good correctional practices and provide an enabling platform for the implementation of non-custodial measures.

“It also enhances the focus on corrections and promotion of reformation, rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders and establishes institutional, systemic and sustainable mechanisms to address the high number of persons awaiting trial,’’

Ja’afaru Ahmed, the Controller-General, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) said the accent to the act by President Muhammadu Buhari, was the best thing that has happened to the service.

He said the Service is ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to make the act fruitful.

“We are open to collaboration that will lead to the development of the non-custodial services as provided under the Act.

“The collaboration will comprise short, medium- and long-term measures that will create the requisite social awareness of the non-custodial services.”

Share on Facebook

Featured

Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

1 week ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

Share on Facebook